Scenic/Fun Camp
Written: May 21 '00 (Updated Mar 27 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Many activities, organized, nice setting
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: This is a gorgeous camp and offers so many different activities and experiences for kids, not too large or small, good staff ratio.
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| Javelina's Full Review: Camp Bernadette |
I worked at Camp Bernadette in 1998 as a counselor. The camp is set in a beautiful location. There is plenty of shore for water sports and swimming, and the camp is based in a nice parklike area. The main meal hall building is right on the water.
There are two counselors in a cabin, responsible for 12 girls. The campers are divided into three age groups to make things organized. Every day there is a planned out schedule, from meals to activities to cleaning the cabins. There are a multitude of sports and other activities that the campers participate in- kayaking, horseback riding, arts and crafts, soccer, tennis, and much more.
The campers are taught safety in each area as well as responsibility, such as keeping the cabins clean. As a counselor, I was trained thoroughly in safety and safety procedures, and there was a great deal of work put into making sure things were ready for the campers. We even went as far as combing through the entire cabin area and picking up all the twigs, sticks, and other general brush by hand so that no one would be tripping over them.
There are special trips and events that take place over the summer. There is Christmas in July, Dr.Suess Day, and several others, as well as trips to Camp Fatima (the boys camp). The campers are extremely excited to go to Fatima and they are often surprised by the staff with news of trips to Fatima. Sometimes the competition is a little rough at Fatima, but the overall atmosphere is just of pure excitement. Camp Fatima also comes to visit Camp Bernie several times during the summer.
The food at Camp Bernie is pretty good, there is a nice variety and there's always enough for everyone. I am a vegetarian and I had absolutely no problems finding food at any time, and not only was it really delicious, it was healthy! The campers and staff learn songs which are often sung in the meal hall. There are also games that go on during meal time which makes things a little more exciting, especially when everyone is sleepy in the morning, and not paying attention.
At the end of camp there is a ceremony that awards campers for their contributions and responsibilities, and different cabins are awarded in various areas. Specific cabins win ongoing cabin contests. It's great because the campers get rewarded for good behavior and responsibility. Usually they have no idea they are going to get an award because there are so many categories, some of which are truly unique!
Overall I would recommend this camp. There is little stress to the campers because it is just girls! There is so much to do that everyone is always busy doing something, and all the campers make new friends. There is always homesickness, but with counselors and other staff on hand at all times, campers usually get a nice shoulder to cry on. Religion plays as a basic background of developing character and life skills. I don't think it is absolutely necessary that campers have a certain religious affiliation to meet with the camp's religious theme. There were some church gatherings, but I think they would be appropriate for a person in any following.
Campers have their pictures taken at camp so that they can bring some home as well as to remember their experience. They will have plenty things to remember Camp Bernadette by as well as lasting memories.
Recommended:
Yes
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